Clinical Research

The Department of Dermatology is actively engaged in numerous clinical research pursuits, working towards an enhanced understanding of cutaneous disease and innovative new treatments for patient care. As a referral center for complex dermatologic cases, an established collaborative partner with physicians at the National Institutes of Health, and a diverse patient population, GW Dermatology is uniquely positioned for excellence in clinical research.

Current projects include investigator initiated studies and industry supported clinical trials. Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and autoimmune dermatology are of particular interest, and comprise a major portion of research efforts. Examples include:

Multi-center open registry of patients with psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy including biologics

Novel treatments are also investigated in order to provide insight on new or improved treatments of skin disease. At GW Dermatology, treatments for both common and rare disorders are investigated, and could become promising future therapies. Examples include:

The use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

Sodium thiosulfate delivered by fractionated CO2 laser in the treatment of calcinosis from juvenile and adult dermatomyositis.

Research from GW Dermatology has been published and presented in leading journals and conferences, including JAAD, Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatitis, Psoriasis Forum, the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, J Hematol Thrombo Diseases, Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association, the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Conference.